The Basics of the Septic System

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Basics of the Septic System SSeeppttiicc SSyysstteemmss:: The Basics Prepared by: Mid-Michigan District Health Department An informational brochure to present the basics of on-site sewage disposal systems, and their proper care and maintenance. Clinton County Branch Office Gratiot County Branch Office 1307 E Townsend Rd 151 Commerce Dr. St. Johns, MI 48879 Ithaca, MI 48847 (989) 224-2195 (989) 875-3681 Fax (989) 224-4300 Fax (989) 875-1049 Montcalm County Branch Office 615 N. State Rd., Suite 1 Stanton, MI 48888 (989) 831-5237 Fax (989) 831-9227 The care and feeding of your on-site septic system Septic systems are very much like automobiles. They need periodic inspections and proper maintenance to continue working properly and cannot be improperly used without the owner having adverse consequences such as repair or replacement bills. You should have your septic system inspected every 1 to 2 years by a professional, and have your septic tank pumped when necessary. This interval ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on the rate that solids accumulate in your tank. At the time of inspection or pumping, the baffles should be checked to ensure they are in good condition since the last check-up. If you have an effluent filter, it should also be inspected, as effluent filters require periodic cleaning. Failure to keep the effluent filter clean may result in a backup of wastewater in the home due to filter clogging. Septic systems that have mechanical parts, such as a pump, should be inspected at least once a year, or more frequently, as recommended by the manufacturer. The absorption field should be checked for sogginess or ponding, which indicates improper drainage, a clogged system, or excessive water use. What to put in, what to keep out • Direct all wastewater from your home into the septic tank. This includes all sink, bath, shower, toilet, washing machine and dishwasher wastewaters. Any of these waters can contain disease- causing microorganisms or environmental pollutants. • Keep roof drains, basement sump pump drains, and other rainwater or surface water drainage systems away from the absorption field. Flooding of the absorption field with excessive water will keep the soil from naturally cleansing the wastewater, which can lead to groundwater and / or nearby surface water pollution. • Do not use caustic drain openers for a clogged drain. Instead use boiling water or a drain snake to open clogs. • Do not use septic tank additives, commercial septic tank cleansers, yeast, sugar, etc. These products are not necessary and some may be harmful to your system. • Use commercial bathroom cleaners and laundry detergents in moderation. Many people prefer to clean their toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs with a mild detergent or baking soda. • Do not allow water softener backwash to enter your septic tank. • Avoid dumping grease or fats down your kitchen drain. They solidify and the accumulation may contribute to blockages in your system. • • Your septic system is not a trash can. Do not put disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, paper towels, plastics, cat litter, or cigarettes into your septic system. These items quickly fill your septic tank with solids, decrease the efficiency, and will require that you pump out the septic tank more frequently. They may also clog the sewer line to the septic system causing wastewater to back up into your home. • Keep latex paint, varnishes thinners, waste oil, pesticides, or other hazardous chemicals out of your system. Even in small amounts, these items can destroy the biological digestion taking place within your septic system. 2 More tips to promote septic system health. • Conserve water to avoid overloading the septic system. Be sure to repair any leaky faucets or toilets. Try using low-flow fixtures. Space laundry washing throughout the week. • Check with your local health department branch office before installing a garbage disposal unit to make sure that your septic system can accommodate this additional waste. • Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage the absorption field. • ,Learn the location of your septic system. Do not drive or park over any portion of your system. This can compact the soil and crush your system. Why the need for on-site septic systems? More than 25 million homes, encompassing almost 25 percent of the United States population, dispose of domestic wastewater through on-site sewage disposal systems. The most common method to treat and dispose of wastewater in rural homes is through the use of an on-site disposal system, and the majority of on-site disposal systems in the U.S. are septic systems. Proper filtration and treatment of human waste water prevents the contamination of the groundwater and ultimately prevents the contamination of drinking water obtained through water wells. Untreated human wastewater contains pathogenic, enteric bacteria and viruses capable of causing symptoms ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and in some cases, may ultimately lead to the death of individuals having an impaired or underdeveloped immune system. How a septic system works A typical septic system contains two major components: a septic tank and the absorption field. The septic tank is usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic, is typically buried, and should be watertight. The primary purpose of the septic tank is to separate the solids and liquids and to promote partial breakdown of contaminants by microorganisms naturally present in the wastewater. The solids, known as sludge, collect on the bottom of the tank, while the scum, which is fats, oils and greases, floats on top of the liquid. The sludge and scum remain in the tank, and should be pumped out, periodically, by a licensed septage hauler. All septic tanks have baffles at the outlet to insure proper flow by allowing only the liquid waste which is confined between the scum layer and the sludge layer to enter the absorption field. (See figure 1). Most septic tanks are single compartment; however, in some instances, a two- compartment tank, or two single Figure 1: Cutaway view of septic tank, showing the outlet baffle. compartment tanks in series, are required. 3 While typically designed to hold a minimum of 1000 to 1500 gallons of sewage, the size of the tank may vary depending of the number of bedrooms in the dwelling. The number of compartments required in the tank is affected by the presence of a garbage disposal and/or a sewage grinder pump. Solids that are allowed to pass from the septic tank may clog the absorption field. Keeping solids out of the absorption field not only prevents clogging, but also reduces potentially expensive repair or replacement costs, and helps ensure the ability of the soil to effectively treat the septic tank effluent. An effective safeguard in keeping solids out of the absorption field, and thus extending the life of the absorption system, is the use of an effluent filter on the outlet of the septic tank. Effluent filters require periodic cleaning, in order to maintain proper flow of sewage effluent from the septic tank to the absorption system. To clean your filter, simply remove the filter cartridge from the outlet baffle or case, and hose the cartridge off, being careful to rinse septage material back into the septic tank (Figure 2 on the right). What you put in your septic system, and how much, will dictate the maintenance interval. Always refer to the manufacturers’ recommendations regarding the maintenance of your effluent filter. Figure 2: Hosing an effluent filter off into the septic tank The wastewater (effluent) coming out of the septic tank may contain many potentially disease- causing microorganisms and pollutants. The effluent is passed on to the absorption field, or bed, through a connecting pipe, or in some cases a distribution box. The absorption field is also known as the soil drainfield, the disposal field, or the leach field. The absorption field contains a series of underground perforated pipes that are usually connected in a closed loop system (indicated in Figure 3 below). The effluent is distributed through the perforated pipes, exits through the holes in the pipes, and trickles through the rock or stone where it is stored until absorbed by the soil. The absorption field, which is located in the unsaturated zone of the soil, treats the wastewater though physical, chemical, and biological processes. The soil also acts as a natural buffer to filter out many of the harmful bacteria, viruses, and excessive nutrients, effectively treating the wastewater as it passes through the unsaturated zone before it reaches the groundwater, or saturated zone of the soil. The location of the saturated zone in the soil profile varies from season to season, and from year to year. Environmental Health Specialists design sewage disposal systems based on site evaluations. These evaluations reveal the highest elevation that the zone of saturation has reached in the soil profile. Sewage disposal systems are designed to allow adequate isolation between the bottom of the absorption field stone, and the highest indicated elevation of the saturated zone. This helps to minimize the risk of groundwater contamination by the sewage effluent, because the isolation allows for effective treatment of the effluent, as it passes through the unsaturated zone. Figure 3: An example of the closed loop system found in an absorption bed. 4 .
Recommended publications
  • Register Your 2 Year Guarantee Today Wash Filter
    OPERATING MANUAL ASSEMBLY ON/OFF clik Fo r hard floors F or carpets 2 3 clik 6months WASH FILTER Wash filter with cold water at least every 6 months. 1 REGISTER YOUR 2 YEAR GUARANTEE clik TODAY After registering for your 2 year guarantee, your Dyson vacuum cleaner will be covered for parts and labour for 2 years from the date of purchase, subject to the terms of the guarantee. If you have any query about your Dyson vacuum cleaner, call the Dyson Customer Care Helpline quoting the serial number and details of where/when you bought the vacuum cleaner. The serial number can be found on the main body of the machine behind the clear bin. Most queries can be solved over the phone by one of our trained Dyson Customer Care Helpline staff. Note your serial number for future reference This illustration is for example purposes only. 3 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER YOUR 2 YEAR GUARANTEE REGISTER REGISTER REGISTER ONLINE BY PHONE BY MAIL Visit our website to register Call our dedicated Helpline. Complete and return your full parts and labour the form to Dyson in the guarantee online (Australia only). AU 1800 239 766 envelope supplied. NZ 0800 397 667 www.dyson.com.au/register 2 IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS VACUUM CLEANER When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following: WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY: 1. Do not leave vacuum cleaner when plugged in. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before servicing.
    [Show full text]
  • A Study on Infographic Design of Door Dehumidifier
    A Study on Infographic Design of Door Dehumidifier Junyoung Kim1and Eunchae Do2and Dokshin Lim3† [0000-0002-5146-1830] 1 UNIST, Graduate School of Creative Design Engineering, Ulsan, Korea 2 Hongik University, Department of Visual Communication Design, Seoul, Korea 3†Hongik University, Department of Mechanical and System Design Engineering, Seoul, Korea [email protected] Abstract. Millennials in Korea tend to live in a small studio alone. We focused on a common problem that this kind of one-person households have, which is that most of them suffer from laundry process due to the lack of drying feature in the built-in washing machines in their studios. “Door Dehumidifier” is a concep- tual product that we propose to solve this problem. Installing our “Door Dehu- midifier” in place of the existing door of their built-in washing machines will enable to manage the humidity automatically both inside and outside area of washing machines. The present paper describes how the infographic LED display of the new concept “Door Dehumidifier” communicate with the users. We de- signed the infographic with effectiveness and efficiency of the human-machine interaction in mind. Applying calm tech philosophy, we propose five in- fographics of “Door Dehumidifier” which we test and go through iterations to improve the final infographic design. Keywords: One-person household, Dehumidifier, LED display, Infographic, Calm tech. 1 Introduction 1.1 Background Often in an environment where the Millennial Generation’s one-person households live, they have no choice But to use washing machines, a Basic Built-in home. Many of these users suffer from a douBle whammy of the lack of drying on the devices provided, and their lifestyle is difficult to take out immediately after the washing is finished.
    [Show full text]
  • Semi-Automatic Dishwasher Cum Washing Machine for Smart City Richard Jesu Daniel R1, Sudhan Kumar S1, Shopra L1, Siva S.M1, Ebenezer Sathish Paul P2
    ISSN(Online): 2319-8753 ISSN (Print): 2347-6710 International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology (An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization) Vol. 9, Issue 2, February 2020 Semi-Automatic dishwasher cum washing machine for smart city Richard Jesu Daniel R1, Sudhan Kumar S1, Shopra L1, Siva S.M1, Ebenezer Sathish Paul P2 1UG Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Francis Xavier Engineering College, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India 2Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Francis Xavier Engineering College, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India ABSTRACT: This work represents the new and simple design of semi-automatic mechanical dishwasher. The design over comes the high cost and large space required to previous dishwasher and the main objective of Automatic Dishwasher cum washing machine is to reduce the cost of fully automatic dish washing machine and give good cleaning performance. By using semi-automatic dishwasher, we can reduce time as well as human efforts significantly and also by using plastic material for casing part and trays are made by the plastic material so the overall weight of the assembly is also reduced and we can use it as semi-automatic dishwasher as well as semi-automatic washing machine. This is two in one machine with the same technology and it requires less energy and less water consumption. Time of washing dish can be adjusted as per customer requirement. In this system simple principle is used to clean utensils of washing dishes that have been placed on the racks inside the machine with back and forth rotational of water this system will be used to clean utensil from all side.
    [Show full text]
  • Laundering, Drying, Ironing, Pressing Or Folding Textile Articles
    CPC - D06F - 2020.02 D06F LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES Definition statement This place covers: • Domestic or laundry dry-cleaning apparatuses using volatile solvents; • Domestic, laundry or tailors' ironing or other hot-pressing of clothes, linen or other textile articles; • Controlling or regulating domestic laundry dryers (cf. D06F 58/30). The Indexing Codes D06F 2101/00 - D06F 2101/20 cover user input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers. The Indexing Codes D06F 2103/00 - D06F 2103/70 cover parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers. The Indexing Codes D06F 2105/00 - D06F 2105/62 cover systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers. Relationships with other classification places This subclass does not cover treatment of textiles by purely chemical means, which is covered by subclasses D06L and D06M. Apparatuses for wringing, washing, dry cleaning, ironing or other hot-pressing of textiles in manufacturing operations are covered by D06B and D06C. A document should be classified in D06F if: • It mainly relates to the treatment of home textiles, the treatment of other kinds of textiles should generally be classified somewhere else. • It generally (but not always) relates to a domestic appliance for treating a textile article (the machine may however be coin-operated). Exceptions to the rule at point (II) above are: D06F 31/00, D06F 43/00,,D06F 47/00, D06F 58/12, D06F 67/04, D06F 71/00, D06F 89/00 , D06F 93/00, D06F 95/00 as well as their subgroups.
    [Show full text]
  • Commercial Building Permit Application Form
    COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS SUPPLEMENTAL PERMIT INFORMATION Property Address: Owner’s Name: Owner’s Phone #: Mailing Address: (Street or PO Box) (City) (State) (Zip) Applicant’s Name: Applicant’s Phone #: (If different from owner) Mailing Address: (Street or PO Box) (City) (State) (Zip) Contractor’s Name: Phone #: Lic #: Contact Person: Contact Phone #: Mailing Address: (Street or PO Box) (City) (State) (Zip) Contact Email(s): PROJECT INFORMATION: Deferred/Phased Submittal Description of Project: I. STRUCTURAL Business / Commercial Name (if applicable) Estimated Project Cost/Bid $ Square footage of Structure? New Structure Height: Are any of the following being constructed/remodeled? Restaurant(s) Pool(s) Spa(s) N/A No Electrical II. ELECTRICAL Contractor: Lic #: # of services and sub-panels: # of Amps/Service: # of Circuits/Service: Temporary Power Needed? Now At Issuance No Temp Power Contractor: License #:____________________ Limited Energy/Low Voltage - MARK ALL THAT APPLY: Boiler Controls HVAC Nurse Calls Clock System Instrumentations Outdoor Landscape Lighting Data Tele-Communication Intercom/Paging Protective Signaling Medical Landscape Irrigation Other: No Mechanical III. MECHANICAL Contractor: Lic #: PLEASE RECORD THE BID/PROJECT VALUE FOR ALL MECHANICAL WORK: $ Heat Source: Gas Electric Both Other (specify): Appliances - MARK ALL THAT APPLY AND IF APPLICABLE COMPLETE BOXES TO THE RIGHT: Furnace/Forced Air Unit Under 100,000 BTU Over 100,000 BTU Heat Pump Under 100,000 BTU Over 100,000 BTU Cadet Heater / Baseboard Electric Wall Heaters
    [Show full text]
  • Advanced Clothes Dryer Technologies You May Not Have Ever Thought About Opportunities to Get Anything Other Than a Standard Clothes Washers
    Advanced Clothes Dryer Technologies You may not have ever thought about opportunities to get anything other than a standard clothes washers. However, there are many different options available to consumers. Gas dryers are discussed in the Clothes Dryer Equipment Guide. Additional features are included below: Clothes Dryer Controls: Temperature Sensors There are currently two options in automatic sensor technology. The first is the more common and less accurate temperature sensor. A thermometer reads the temperature of the exhaust air leaving the dryer. As wet clothes become dry the temperature of the exhaust rises. The sensor detects when the air temperature increases by a certain amount, temporarily shuts off the heater and advances the control knob a notch, and starts in again. By choosing "More Dry" or "Less Dry" or somewhere in between, you control how any advances the knob will make before the dryer stops. (On some dryers this knob works better than others.) It is estimated that temperature sensor controls save about 7 to 10 percent of drying costs compared to a simple manual timer. However, there is a wide variation in sensor effectiveness between different models. You tend to get what you pay for. Clothes Dryer Controls: Moisture Sensors The more accurate moisture control has small devices within the dryer drum that actually sense the level of moisture as clothes brush against them. This option is somewhat more expensive, but lasts longer and is estimated to save about five percent more of the drying energy than the temperature sensor. Either automatic control should get your clothes dry. The danger with less accurate sensor is that it may over-dry your clothes, wasting energy and money, and leaving your clothes with more wrinkles and static.
    [Show full text]
  • Instruction for Use BONECO H300 26 En TABLE of CONTENTS
    25 en Instruction for use BONECO H300 26 en TABLE OF CONTENTS Items included 27 Source of the BONECO app 37 Dear customer, 27 BONECO app for iOS 37 Items included 27 App for Android 37 Overview and part names 28 Connecting the app to the BONECO H300 38 Preparing for first use 38 Important notes 29 Connection 38 Safety instructions 29 First cleaning 29 Notes on cleaning 39 About cleaning 39 Start-up 30 Recommended cleaning intervals 39 Manual operation 32 Cleaning in the dishwasher 40 On manual operation 32 Parts not permitted 40 AUTO mode 32 Water base and drum 40 Adapted AUTO mode 32 Switching on and off 32 Cleaning the evaporator mat 41 Manual control 33 About the evaporator mat 41 Cleaning in the washing machine 41 The various operating modes 34 Cleaning by hand 41 Hybrid mode (“HYBRID”) 34 Humidification only (“Humidifier”) 34 Replacing the A7017 Ionic Silver Stick® 42 AH300 pollen filter only (“Purifier”) 34 A7017 Ionic Silver Stick® 42 Fragrance container 35 Cleaning the pre-filter / Replacing the AH300 pollen filter 43 Fragrance container 35 About the pre-filter 43 Use 35 Replacing the AH300 pollen filter 43 These are the benefits of the BONECO app 36 Notes on operation and troubleshooting 44 About the BONECO app 36 Scope of services 36 Technical data 45 27 ITEMS INCLUDED en DEAR CUSTOMER, ITEMS INCLUDED Congratulations on your purchase of the BONECO H300. Thanks to its high evaporating output, it keeps humid- ity always at a comfortable level at all times and thus improves the well-being of people and pets – especially during the dry winter months.
    [Show full text]
  • Ahh-Some Washing Machine / Dishwasher Bio-Cleaner
    Product Information Ahh-some Washing Machine / Dishwasher Bio-Cleaner & Deodorizer Just about every household has a "high efficiency" Washing Machine and a Dishwasher that can harbor bad odors and bio-contaminants as a result of everyday use. Bio-Contaminants such as Fungi & Yeasts are typically what produces the malodors you smell around these appliances. However, there are numerous other bacteria that can be of significant numbers to allow these appliances to literally stink. Soiling from clothing, towels, and a plethora of other washable items amid low temperatures and mixed loads of wash can be spreading dangerous bugs in Washing Machines. High soil loads in drains and filter, higher humidity, organic and inorganic nutrients, short dishwashing cycles all contribute to bio-fouling in ALL dishwashers. Many people feel that the detergents used rid these appliances of potential harmful contaminants. This is not the case! There have been numerous studies on Biofilm in Washing Machines and Dishwashers. Unhealthy Washing Machines and Dishwashers can put your family's health at risk. These appliances offer extreme conditions that suit pathogenic fungus growth. Google Biofilm in Washing Machines & Dishwashers. You'll appreciate what Ahh-Some can do for these appliances. DIRECTIONS: WASHING MACHINES Dilute 1/2 Tsp of gel into 4 ounces of warm or tepid water so it dissolves faster. Pour this into the washing machine detergent hopper. Do a short "HOT CYCLE" with no clothing or articles in the washer during the Ahh-Some treatment. It is not necessary to add any bleach or other cleaning products with the Ahh-Some Bio-Cleaner.
    [Show full text]
  • Stellartm 150 Ventilator Cleaning Guide
    StellarTM 150 Ventilator Cleaning Guide Item Daily Weekly Monthly Wash by hand with mild soap* Mask Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry Ensure expiration ports are patent (open) before use and perform an airflow check at start of therapy Mask Cushion Wipe with clean damp cloth and mild soap* Did you know? *Mild Soap is soap with NO emollients or antibacterial Rinse with lukewarm water and air dry. You may not always have to replace your entire mask when ingredients you find it does not seal well. Check and see if you can simply replace the mask cushion instead. Head Gear Did you know? Wash by hand with mild soap* or place in a pillow case and Your head gear will continue to fit better and last longer if wash in gentle cycle of washing machine with mild soap* you avoid stretching straps each morning when you take your mask off. Unclip fasteners to the mask and then remove headgear. Hose Remove tubing from the device and mask Did you know? Wash the air tubing in warm water using mild soap* If you hang air tubing to dry in direct sunlight it will harden Rinse thoroughly and hang to dry. over time and may eventually crack. Humidifier Check that Stellar TM 150 ventilator and humidifier is Lift cover plate and remove water chamber. Did you know? To assist the heater plate in cooling, some air turned off. Wipe heater plate and humidifier cover with damp cloth will continue to blow gently for up to an hour after treatment Lift up cover plate to remove water chamber.
    [Show full text]
  • All About the of Your Washer
    All about the Use & Care of your Washer TABLE OF CONTENTS Important Safety Instructions ..............................2-4 Solutions to Common Problems .......................18-21 Operating Instructions ......................................5-11 Warranty ............................................................22 Stain Removal Guide ...................................... 12-13 Français ..............................................................23 Care and Cleaning ..........................................14-17 137374400A (1006) www.frigidaire.com USA 1-800-944-9044 www.frigidaire.ca Canada 1-800-265-8352 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WARNING WARNING For your safety the following information in this manual Please read all instructions before using this washer. must be followed to minimize the risk of fi re or explosion or to prevent property damage, personal injury or death. Recognize safety symbols, words and labels Do not store or use gasoline or other fl am- mable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of Safety items throughout this manual are labeled with a WARNING or CAUTION based on the risk type as this or any other appliance. described below: WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS: Defi nitions • Do not try to light any appliance. This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert • Do not touch any electrical switch; do not you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety use any phone in your building. messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury • Clear the room, building or area of all occu- or death. pants. DANGER • Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation instructions. which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious • If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call injury.
    [Show full text]
  • Appliance Tips and Tricks
    by Nancy and Tyler Adkins Home Appliance Tips and Tricks We all depend on our home appliances to work well during all seasons of our life. However, right now it is more important for both you and us to understand what simple steps can be taken so that we can extend the life expectancy of our home appliances. On average, newer home appliances will be repaired at least one time by the time it is 4 years old. In fact, even the manufacturers of our appliances admit there is a larger percentage of the appliances they make that fail between years 2 and 5. So taking actions to keep our expensive units working well and lasting longer can be important to our pocketbook, not even putting time into the equation of the time you have to take off work to have an appliance tech come out to your home. Surge Protectors: In today's world, appliances have computer boards and electronic devices that require protecting them from surges. In order to do that, it will take having a whole house surge protector. There are many types of these, but all do one main thing - they keep surges and dirty electricity away from your appliances. To have one installed you will need to contact a master electrician in your area. We can provide you connections in the Dallas Fort Worth area of reputable electricians. They will be able to discuss the cost and the warranty each of these surge protectors. Page 1 Home Appliance Tips and Tricks Professional Appliance Maintenance: Your home appliances need to be professionally maintained just like any other mechanical piece of equipment.
    [Show full text]
  • Wash Bleach Dry Iron Dryclean
    Wash Bleach Iron Dryclean Dry Produced by the Federal Trade Commission as part of Project CLEAN NOTE: As a minimum, laundering The water temperatures listed instructions include, in order, four below are provided as a guide- symbols: washing, bleaching, line. Actual water temperatures drying and ironing. Drycleaning obtained in the home depend on instructions include one symbol. the washing machine settings (hot, Additional symbols or words or warm, cold), regional water both may be used to clarify the supply temperatures, and water instructions. heater settings. WASH MACHINE WASH CYCLE WARNING SIGNS Normal Permanent Press/ Gentle/ Hand wash Do not wash wrinkle resistant delicate WATER TEMPERATURE Hot Warm Cold/cool Do not wring (50ºC/120ºF) (40ºC/105ºF) (30ºC/85ºF) BLEACH WARNING SIGNS Produced by the Federal Trade Commission as part of Project CLEAN BLEACH SYMBOLS Any bleach Only non-chlorine bleach Do not bleach (when needed) (when needed) DRY TUMBLE DRY CYCLE WARNING SIGNS Dry Normal Permanent Press/ Gentle/ Do not tumble dry wrinkle resistant delicate HEAT SETTING High Medium Low No heat/air Do not dry (used with do not wash) SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS Line dry/ Drip dry Dry flat In the shade hang to dry IRON IRON — DRY OR STEAM WARNING SIGNS Iron High Medium Low Do not iron No steam DRYCLEAN DRYCLEAN — NORMAL CYCLE WARNING SIGNS P F Dryclean Any solvent Any solvent except Petroleum Do not dryclean trichloroethylene solvent only PROFESSIONALLY DRYCLEAN Reduce moisture Short cycle No steam finishing Low heat.
    [Show full text]